I would have recommended using PLE/Gmax to get used to modelling... I'm pretty sure the interface is the same (wouldn't know, I used Rhino all my time... just started using Maya to animate my Rhino Models... ... yes I do mention Rhino a lot :b)

You never know, you may like the 3ds max program better (BOO!!!) :b Coulda been better for you had you known BEFORE you bought maya though :b